Proper attire can help your game
Comfort and keeping cool matters
It wasn’t long into my official golf life that I realized something quickly: how you dress truly impacts how you play.
It’s not just about looking good on the course, although I confess, when it comes to sports, to being a bit of a classicist when it comes to dressing.
There’s something, after all, that just feels right about dressing snappy for a sport. To garble the iconic Coco Channel quote: “Dress shabbily and they remember the outfit. Dress impeccably and they remember the player (and the game).”
But there’s more to it than that. Proper attire keeps you comfortable no matter what you face out there. Quick shower? Waterproof works. Muggy as can be? Wicking materials save the day. Cool or even cold? Warm but not restricting solves that. It may seem oversimplified, but there is something to it: Dress well to help you play well.
With that in mind, I’ve been searching and slowly building a proper golf wardrobe. While I’m still en process, I’ve found some winners, pieces that look great, feel right and help rather than hinder my play.
My newest love is one my son-in-law, an avid golfer, had told me to try out. Zero Restrictions (https://www.zerorestriction.com), he told me, makes quality, good-looking attire that he feels comfortable and ready to play in. I reached out and then sent me a box of samples.
Was I happy? More like thrilled. Zero Restrictions’ products solved a few problems I have with attire, offered me some crisp looks and, while not low-priced (but also not too high, considering what’s out there), feels solid and enduring, meaning they’ll remain go-tos for a good long time.
First up, their Sadie Skort. Skorts are the saving grace of sporting attire for women. I love them for tennis, pickleball and now golf. Built-in shorts are a godsend, but sometimes, things can be not quite right.
The Sadie fit in every way. First, the pockets: placed just right and (thank heavens!) deep enough to fit what I need in my pocket on the course, they sit comfortably while still doing all I need them to do.
Next, the material. Made of a textured cooling wick polyester wicking knit, it feels durable, yet breaths like a light fabric. The little touches matter, like the comfortable compression waistband and the gripper tape (not sticky at all) on the shorts legs to hold them in place.
Even when I was swinging for the rafters (my teaching pro is encouraging more speed in my big swings, wahoo!), they stayed in place but never restricted.
Oh, and it’s cute. The blue textured outer skirt hides a fashion wink: super cute mint green shorts underneath. I love the Sadie.
For days that may need layering, I’m a fan of their Wanda Vest, a waterproof, windproof vest that’s light enough for any day you need a little more, but durable enough to layer on just about any day.
I love the lightweight material; layers need to never be too much. And I love the feminine touches like the shirring in the back to flatter just about anyone, even me. I’ll be keeping one in my bag just in case, and I’m sure I’ll need it often. Like the skirt, it’s forgiving enough to move with any swing I take — vital.
The Sofia Z500 Pullover is a big more of an investment, but one you should feel good making.
This thicker yet moveable pullover (10 percent Spandex for the win!) features an interior wind flap for that blustery day, an easy to access and comfortable front pocket, a back vent for when you’re just not sure if you’re hot or cold, and thumb holes for those who like their sleeves pulled down tight.
And just like the other items, it’s machine wash and dry, meaning easy and quick care so you can have them on the ready.
Zero Restrictions aces menswear as well. And while they may not be the only brand in my new “golfer for life” closet section, they’ll be a big part.
We’ll talk gloves, glasses and other accessories soon.
For now, I’m thinking I’m on my way to a wardrobe that wouldn’t just please Coco, it will add to my game. Look snappy, feel good, be comfortable and play better. Good investment, if you ask me.